Lucknow: Amid the ongoing investigation into the Haldwani violence triggered by the demolition of an alleged illegal madrassa, it has emerged that the Nainital district administration and police failed to act on intelligence reports provided to them.
Sources in the state home department said the issue arose during a high-level meeting convened by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami with senior govt officials following the outbreak of riots.
The source added, “The state intelligence unit, foreseeing potential trouble during the planned anti-encroachment action, made several recommendations to the district administration and police to prevent escalation into violence. Key suggestions included conducting a drone survey of the area to prepare security arrangements and ensuring adequate deployment of police and PAC force. Unfortunately, both measures were disregarded by the district administration.”
Expanding on the report, the official added that another recommendation was to ensure that no religious books were left inside the illegal structure slated for demolition. If any were found, they would be respectfully removed and stored in a safe place beforehand.
“The CM took notice of these grave oversights and instructed the officials present to assign responsibility while taking decisive action against those involved in the violence,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, Dhami asserted that govt “will not tolerate any form of violence or disorder in Devbhoomi”. He said, “We will ensure that every penny is recovered from the rioters for the damage caused to public and private property during the violence, regardless of their influence. The law will be enforced rigorously to ensure stern action against the perpetrators.”
